Incontestable Evidence That You Need German Shepherd Dog Care
German Shepherd Dog Care
To be a good dog, German Shepherds need early socialization and continuous training. They also require plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior.
Several inherited diseases cause recurring vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds. They require regular veterinary checkups and preventative medicines.
Avoid vigorous exercise before or after eating to avoid weight gain. When exercising in hot weather, give your German Shepherd plenty of water and shade.
Diet
A German shepherd's strong, muscular body requires a balanced diet that is full of nutrients. It is essential to select foods that is high in protein from nature, such as lamb, beef or turkey. The food should have high-quality carbs, like rice and barley, to provide energy to the German shepherd. The best diet will include supplemental vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone and joint development.
The breed is prone to health issues that are hereditary, such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can be minimized through exercises, weight-management and a diet that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health. German shepherds also suffer from allergies which can result in itchy skin, ears and digestive issues such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Your vet can guide you on the right diet for your german shepherd. Make sure your german shepherd is getting the proper amount of food each day depending on its size and level of activity, sex, and age.
Avoid foods that are bad for dogs. These include avocados, onions, and chocolate. Also avoid products that contain sugars such as xylitol (an artificial sweetener), as these can cause digestive problems or nutritional imbalances. Avoid feeding your German shepherd table scraps as well as human food. This can cause gastrointestinal upsets and obesity.
Carbohydrates from barley, oats and rice are simple for German shepherds to digest and offer energy for active play throughout the day. However, avoid foods containing wheat and corn, which are harder to digest and offer less nutritional value. Like many large dogs and breeds, the German shepherd is prone to bloating and stomach torsion, so a low-fat diet is advised. Also, you should limit the amount of food your german shepherd consumes as they can alter the diet. Lastly, always have a bowl of fresh, clean water available to your german shepherd at all times. They will appreciate the opportunity to stay hydrated as well as you do!
Exercise
German Shepherds need a lot of exercise to burn off their energy, avoid frustration and boredom that could cause undesirable behavior such as excessive chewing on furniture and barking. They thrive with a daily routine including walking, running and interactive games as well as mental stimulation.
As herding dogs German Shepherds are designed for endurance and agility, so they require more intense exercise than breeds with lower energy levels like Bulldogs. Warm-up walks prior to high-intensity workouts and cooling down walks at the end of every session are essential to help your dog meet its requirements for exercise. It is also crucial to vary the surface you use for your workouts to lessen wear and tear on joints. Running and jogging on tough surfaces like asphalt or concrete can be tough for your dog's knees, so try switching it up with some soft dirt trails or grass to reap the health benefits.
It's also important to take care of your German Shepherd's health requirements, including vaccinations. This includes scheduling regular vet visits to spot any potential issues and identify them before they become serious and also giving your dog preventative medication against ticks and fleas for protection against parasites.
Hip dysplasia is a frequent German Shepherd problem, as are eye and heart diseases. It is recommended to keep your dog inside during the brightest part of the day. These two conditions are often related to exposure to UV light. You should also get your German Shepherd's eye checked often, particularly when you are outside. This will help detect cataracts caused by environmental factors or hereditary.
It's also important to stay clear of intense exercise after eating, since German Shepherds are prone to gain weight. A leisurely walk or a game of fetch are ideal after meals, allowing your German Shepherd to digest their food without straining the muscles in their stomach and abdomen. If your dog is in a tropical or hot climate, make sure to provide them with plenty of shade and water when they are out exercising.
Grooming
German Shepherds have a double coat that helps to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. According to the folks over at German Shepherd Corner their outer guard hairs offer shade and ward off dirt, water and insect bites while the soft, fluffy undercoat helps protect them from heat or cold. Shaving a GSD removes these protective barriers and leaves them vulnerable to heat exhaustion, sunburn and insects. It also removes the beautiful markings, coloring and leaves them with a dull beige, cream or gray color.
As such, grooming a GSD is an essential part of their grooming. GSDs should be groomed every other day, or more often based on their length and how much they shed. This can reduce the amount of fur that is left in the house, and it is a great time of bonding for pet owners.
You should also make sure you check their toes and ears for dirt, debris and infection. GSDs tend to develop yeast infections between their paws, and it is important to wipe these areas with an anti-fungal soap or shampoo at least once a week. The nails should be trimmed at least once a week, or more often depending on the growth rate. There are special nail cutters designed just for dogs that are simple to use and won't harm your German Shepherd.
Regularly brushing can also help you identify ticks and fleas in your German Shepherd. It also gets them familiar with the sensation of being brushed and helps to relax when grooming. Metal teeth are superior to plastic brushes at getting rid of hairs from more difficult areas of the body, such as the neck and shoulders.
GSDs may be nervous when they groom particularly if you're not used to it. It is possible to purchase an arm that wraps around the neck of your GSD and creates a swaddle. They are available in pet stores and on the internet.
Training
German shepherds are extremely smart and trainable, however they require early socialization and regular training to be well-behaved dogs. Insist More Help is in obedience classes and schedule regular training sessions at home to reinforce positive behavior.
These dogs are extremely active dogs that thrive on lots of physical and mental stimulation. They were bred to be herders, which is why they have an instinct to work and need something to do in order to not get bored. This can lead to unwanted behavior like chewing and barking things, so make sure to keep your German shepherd entertained with puzzles, toys, and training exercises.
GSDs are extremely loyal and affectionate towards their owners, but they are also cautious of their family members and be wary of strangers. It's a normal part of their character, but you need to train them to manage this behavior early on. This includes regular physical contact, like cuddling and stroking at the time they are puppies. This will help them feel secure and loved as they grow up which is crucial for living a healthy, happy life.
Take your German Shepherd to the vet regularly to have check-ups and vaccinations. Also, a flea/tick prevention is highly recommended. A good quality dog food is also important and it's a great idea to divide their daily allowance into two meals in order to prevent bloat.
German Shepherds are prone to certain health problems as is every other breed. This breed is prone to heart disease, particularly the dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular diseases. If you observe any symptoms of heart disease, talk to your veterinarian immediately. Treatment could include medications to improve blood flow to the heart of your dog as well as diet changes to decrease the amount of sodium they consume.
To ensure that your dog's teeth are in good health, you should also cut your German Shepherd's nails at least twice per month. Wipe your dog's face as well as ears with a damp cloth to remove any earwax. It is important to bathe your dog at least once a week, but not every day, as this can strip the coat of its natural oils.